LEICESTER can confirm Dan Gilkes will return to their line-up for the start of the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership campaign next week.
The Watling JCB Lions host Northampton in their league opener on Bank Holiday Monday (May 4, 7.30pm) with Gilkes taking over in the Rising Star berth.
Having been named in the Lions’ original line-up for 2026, Gilkes took the decision after press day that his knee injury from last year had not sufficiently recovered in order for him to take his place.
However, after recent practice sessions he has now been declared fit, and he will resume at No.7 in place of Joe Thompson who performed admirably as a 28-day injury replacement.
Manager Stewart Dickson said: “Dan made a sensible decision this time last month as he knew he wasn’t quite ready, and the extra month has helped him out.
“He’s been back on a bike as he needed to know for sure himself, as did we, that he would be able to come back to the level we all need him to be at.
“It will be good to have our full team for the start of the league campaign, but I would like to place on record our thanks to Joe for doing a splendid job as cover.
“It’s been his best run yet in the Premiership and he has certainly played his part in helping us reach the Knockout Cup Final.
“I hope that run of results will give him plenty of confidence and we wish him well for the rest of the season.”
